Fulham Sack Claudio Ranieri, Scott Parker Appointed As Interim Manager

Fulham have sacked their second manager of the season, having dismissed Claudio Ranieri from his duties this afternoon.

Ranieri took the reins at Craven Cottage in November following the sacking of Slavisa Jokanovic but was unable to inspire a turnaround.

The Italian's last game was the 2-0 defeat inflicted by Southampton on Wednesday - a result which left the club in 19th position, 10 points adrift from safety with 10 league games remaining.

Former England captain Scott Parker will take charge on a caretaker basis.

"Claudio's tenure at Fulham didn't produce the outcome we anticipated and needed when I appointed him as Manager in November, but be assured he is not solely to blame for the position we are in today.

"Claudio walked into a difficult situation, inheriting a side that gained only one point in its prior eight matches, and he provided an immediate boost by leading our Club to nine points in his first eight matches as Manager.

"Though we were unable to maintain that pace thereafter, I am grateful for his effort. Claudio leaves Fulham as our friend and he will undoubtedly experience success again soon."

Dubbed a "risk-free" appointment by the Fulham board when he was drafted in, Ranieri tasted victory just three times in the league.

Ranieri memorably led Leicester City to a fairytale Premier League title in 2015/16 but ended up being given the boot at the King Power Stadium just nine months on.